26 Mar 2017

One of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players is reportedly Jurgen Klopp's number one transfer, and new reports this week suggest that Liverpool have taken the first steps towards sealing a deal.

"Mahrez has already had approaches from Juve and Liverpool, and Leicester will sell to the highest bidder".

Like most of Leicester's players, Mahrez has fallen from grace this season, but after the Foxes' struggles this season, his exit is probably inevitable in the summer.

Ex-Red Jamie Redknapp is a fan of Mahrez, and when last season if is the Prem's 'player of the Year' Redknapp told Sky Sports:

"He [Mahrez] a genius, and there are only a few player who possess his quality".

One average season doesn't make Mahrez a bad player. If that is the criterion for judging a player, then Adam Lallana is one of the worst players in the Premier League (!) Clearly, Mahrez needs a new challenge, but I sincerely doubt he'd thrive in a Jurgen Klopp team.

Like Sturridge, he'd probably be forced to focus on running and pressing, and subjugate his unpredictable attacking spontaneity to serve the defensive goals of the team. Plus, as good as he is, Mahrez lacks pace, and although Mahrez - for the right price - is an enticing signing, the Reds may need a different type of player.

Personally, I'd be excited by this deal; Mahrez is proven player entering the prime of his career, and can (in theory) improve by playing alongside superior players.

Alas, the Sport report also claims that Mahrez has been in talks with Barcelona 'for months', and if it comes to a straight choice between the Reds and playing alongside Messi, Suarez, and Neymar, there's only going to be one winner.

That said, Coutinho is also heavily linked with Barca, so if the Brazilian moves on, is Mahrez a viable replacement?